Driveways, pathways and patios have become a huge aspect of home exterior. From choice of material used to complement architectural designs and structure, to colors that reflect individual homeowners style and personality - the art of design is indeed limitless. Many outdoor spaces today are transformed into beautiful and lovely bespoke environments using a variety of materials including Resin Bound Gravel (RBG).
If you are a homeowner, school owner or business owner with lots of outdoor space, or you simply wish to enhance the aesthetics of your property, you should consider using resin bound gravel as your surfacing material. This is because it provides a sturdy, low-maintenance, pervious and artistic surfacing solution that allows you to go wild with your creative imagination.
The Resin bound gravel paving applies the science of combining small stones i.e gravels with the use of high-tech resins in order to form a fixed surface that is attractive. Because small stones are being used in laying resin bound gravel, small gaps are created that allow water to drain into the ground, thereby making the surfaces SUDS (sustainable urban drainage systems) compliant. As a matter of fact, this universal paving is highly advantageous because of its durability and low cost maintenance.
Resin bound gravel comes in either one of these three - flint, granite or quartz. Special treatment has to be done on it before the installation process can be fully carried out, which involves in progressive order; grading, washing and finally drying. Following the preparation process for the gravel, it is tumbled (removal of unwanted particles from the gravel) to ensure that the gravel holds properly when resin is added. The last stage then takes place where the gravel is bone dried and packed and moisture free until the installation begins. This process is pivotal for the success of the installation.
Further, resin bound gravel comes in different sizes from 0.1mm to 10mm. The different range of sizes of the gravel are used in varying areas. For example, the 3-8mm gravel sizes are more preferred for driveway installation. Smaller sizes are used to fill in smaller gaps, while the bigger sizes of gravel i.e the 10mm go into tree pits or borders areas.
When choosing Resin Bound Gravel for your driveway or paving certain questions should come to mind:
If you can get answers to these questions, you’ll definitely be set on a clear path as to what you want for your driveway in your property.
Depending on the surface finishing you would like and where you would like the installation of the resin bound aggregates to take place, a careful consideration of Resin bound and Resin bonded would play a great role in determining your choice.
The resin bonded surfaces are usually cheap and less tough. They are highly waterproof and have a rougher finish. The process includes the smearing the resin to an existing surface i.e the base, the aggregates are then dispersed on top of it. Stones are left on the surface after hardening has taken place causing the rough surface, making it impossible for people on wheelchairs to move on but suitable for cars and walkways. They are less attractive unlike the resin bound and don’t meet the SUDS standard.
Unlike the resin bonded surfaces, they are highly permeable and they meet the SUDS standards. It is an excellent choice, because it provides a more beautiful appeal, and attention to detail is key. The process involves, firstly determining the bespoke design you would like, down to the colour and if need be logos or initial that would be inserted. Certain calculations would be put in place like the right size of gravel, resin formula to be used and weather conditions involved on the day of installation. The result would be a beautiful, flat, smooth and attractive surface suitable for driveways, public areas, pathways and other intended areas.
Resin bound gravel comes in different colours and combinations of colours. In choosing the best resin bound gravel colours, we suggest you get a resin bound sample from a resin bound gravel supplier and place it against the structure of your home or architectural building and look at it to determine which will be ideal. If you need professional help in making a pick, we can help. You can call our helpline to speak to one of our expert installers; Here are some colours you can try.
Aliphatic polyurethane and aromatic polyurethane are the major gravel resin binders used for driveways, paths and public areas, and they offer safety from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Aliphatic polyurethane is a UV stable resin material. It is important to use a UV stable resin because if exposed to the sun, their colours do not fade.
On the other hand, there are non UV stable type resin materials sensitive to oxidation and prone to depletion - aromatic binders or aromatic polyurethane. When exposed to direct sunlight, colors can quickly fade. If choosing a coloured stone that is light in colour, it will be preferable to use a resin that offers UV safety, since your desired choice is to have a light resin finish.
As much as they come in different colours, resin bound gravel also comes in several sizes. The size of resin bound gravel ranges from 0.1mm to 10 mm. In most installations, professionals use sizes between 3-8mm. Depending on the size of area to be installed and design, smaller size gravel may be mixed in and used as a fill for smaller gaps. Larger size resin bound gravel up to 10mm can be used in surrounding border areas.
Resin Bound gravel when compared to other surfacing systems are far advantageous. Some of the major benefits of using resin bound gravel includes:
Our resin bound comparison table will help you understand what makes resin bound gravel a preferred choice for driveways installation
| Property | Resin Bound Gravel | Tarmac | Concrete | Block paving |
| Highly durable | Yes | Average | Yes | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design flexibility | Yes | basic | Basic | basic |
| Non fade | Yes | No | No | No |
| Permeability | Yes | No | No | No |
| Easy to maintain | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Easy to maintain | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Slip resistant | Yes | No | No | No |
| Weed resistant | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Frost resistant | Yes | No | No | No |
| Smooth finish | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Another potential question that seems to lurk the mind of customers who wish to install the Resin bound gravel in their homes is how long will it last. Unlike the tarmac or asphalt which can be affected by temperature changes (for example in the summer heat it softens and, in the winter, it freezes), or UV light, resin bound gravel is highly durable and stable. When purchasing a resin bound gravel, ensure that your resin bound gravel supplier confirms the durability of the product. Usually, resin bound gravel if properly installed is guaranteed to last for about a 10-year to 25-year period.
Some resin bound driveways will last long without cracks. However, a crack might occur, and the only reason possible is due to the base on which the installation is made. But this can be easily corrected by broadening the crack and filling it with resin-based crack filler, thereby stopping any further cracking from taking place.
As earlier stated, the base for installation of resin bound gravel is quite important to take note of. Some surfaces are not suitable to lay resin bound gravel. For example, brick paving, block paving do not really provide a rock-hard base, causing movement or unsettlement for the base which will ultimately lead to a crack. What surfaces are more suitable?
Another importance of laying the primer is to prevent delamination between the two surfaces. It also serves as a barricade between the surfaces involved, which stops the concrete from soaking the resin from the stone in the mixture.
But in a case where the concrete was specifically set for the purpose of laying the resin bound, a minimum of seven days is the allocated time allowed before the commencement of the resin bound. The new set concrete has to be primed to allow the surfaces to adhere.
If you have any of the above surfaces previously existing on your driveway, and you wish to install a new resin bound gravel driveway, installation is fast and easy.
Note: Sand surfaces are not suitable for laying Resin bound gravel. If you have a sand base, groundwork preparations would be needed to install a sub base prior to installation.
Where we live or work can be affected greatly depending on the drainage system that was designed to fit the community we live in. This can largely influence the opportunities and challenges we face from day-to-day engagement. Systems put in place to curb the amount of surface water in terms of flooding, pollution as it affects plants and animals and it’s convenience are generally referred to as Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS).
SUDS are environmentally friendly in that they tend to operate the way nature does. The resin bound is designed to meet the SUDS standard, because it is porous, rainfall or surface water can easily runoff down to the ground, minimizing pollution and the water impact is managed properly.
In order to maintain the appearance and quality of resin bound gravel, routine upkeep is recommended. If your resin bound is well maintained, chances are its life-span will increase.
You can simply clean the floor by sweeping off any debris, leaves, contaminants and rubbish on the surface of your driveway. While weed growth is not common with resin bound gravel, a normal weed killer could be applied on your surfacing if you notice any weed growth or alternatively, you can pluck off the weed with their roots. Be sure not to make use of oil-based weed killer as the oil component could damage your driveway.
Occasionally, you may require cleaning with water. If a jet washing machine must be used, it is important to keep the pressure really low as high pressure could potentially do more harm than good. Warm water and mild soap may be used to clean resin aggregates, but boiling hot water is not advised.
If you are looking to cut down on the cost of engaging a professional service for your resin driveway installation, or you’re simply a DIY enthusiast, “resin bound kits” will make it easy for you to install resin bound gravel yourself. Resin bound gravel kits are handy and we mostly recommend it if you just need a simple and quick fix. With resin bound gravel kits, you have the right proportion of resin and gravel needed for the installation, making them more suitable for small areas. The kit comprises two plastic buckets and a plastic bag of desired aggregate.
To successfully use DIY resin bound kit, you would need to at least have some background training. Any mistake made could pose a great challenge to achieving your desired finished design. Resin can be quite tricky to work with an if you have no knowledge whatsoever of how to get started, Here are a few tips for you;
We are here to help. You can trust the quality workmanship of our specialist resin gravel installers who have completed various projects across the UK.
Our experts are just one call away and will be on hand to render professional advice, talk you through all of the design options, whether you are looking to install resin bonded gravel or resin bound gravel.
To qualify for a free quote and survey, simply complete our contact form with your details or alternatively call our help lines and we'll be in touch to help with your enquiry.
Resin bound gravel paving or driveway, when installed to standard are extremely durable. The lifespan of Resin bound gravel when properly installed is anywhere between 10years to 21years and even more if well maintained. If an inappropriate mix of resin or wrong resin material is used, your resin surface might wear down easily and you’ll begin to notice cracks and loose gravel.
No, resin is usually weed resistant if installed correctly. Weeds cannot grow through the surface of a well installed resin driveway. However if your resin has been wrongly mixed or poorly installed, it might become susceptible to cracks which eventually encourages weed growth.
Yes, resin bound gravel is a cheaper option than block paving. Besides the cost of block paving per m2 being higher than cost of resin bound paving per m2, resin driveways generally work out a less expensive driveway option as they can easily be installed onto any surface, ruling out costs on preparatory work.
Yes, with diy resin bound gravel kits, it’s possible to install your resin driveway yourself. However, we like to advise that resin driveway installation be left to professionals if you are not sure of what you are doing. This is because an inappropriate mix can easily mean that your driveway is left in a worse condition that it was previously.
Simple answer, no. Laying resin bound gravel on soil directly is not advised. If the existing sub base where you want to lay resin bound gravel happens to be plain soil or grass, groundwork preparation will be necessary before installations can be made. Some of the best sub bases for resin bound gravel includes pre existing tarmac, block paving and concrete paving. Ensure you have the area inspected by a professional resin installer to advise whether or not the existing sub base will support the installation.
Yes, concrete is a very good sub base material on which resin bound surfacing can be laid. Resin bonded gravel can also be laid on a permeable asphalt surface.
Essentially, there are two types of resin gravel - resin bound gravel and resin bonded gravel. Resin bound gravel is the more expensive of the two. However, when compared to other types of driveways, resin bound gravel is considered a cheaper and highly durable option.
Mixing is a vital part of resin driveway installation and should not be skipped. When mixing resin bound gravel it is important that you do not cut corners but follow strictly the manufacturer’s guidelines for mixing. The steps for mixing resin include
When it comes to resin bound systems, as a general rule of thumb, a thickness of 15-25mm is advised. For Resin bonded on the other hand, since it is applied over the aggregate, it is usually a thin layer of about 5mm.
The finishing on resin driveway appears very smooth and sleek because resin is mixed together with gravel and other aggregates after which is followed by a smoothing process. As a result, resin driveways can become extremely slippery when wet. However, most proper Resin bound/ resin bonded surfaces installations today are somewhat anti-slip. This is owing to the fact that anti-slip properties like crushed glass and different fine aggregates are usually casted over the surface after the surface before it is fully cured. This reduces its slippery nature.
